Lumbar puncture- csf leak- discomfort in puncture site?!


Question: Lumbar puncture- csf leak- discomfort in puncture site!?
I am to understand that this is unusual, but, I have a csf leak from a lumbar puncture, but I experience it like this: I feel discomfort in my lower back, then the headache starts soon after!. I understand that most people just have the headache, without it being preceded by the lower back discomfort!. I had the lumbar puncture almost a year and a half ago, but have been very hesitant to have the blood patch done, because I'm told that it's the blood patch that has the highest percentage of terrible side effects!. If it's unusual to have back discomfort preceding the headaches, then could there be another reason why my puncture site is not healing!?

To clarify- I felt a twinge in my lower back the first time right after the lp, and have been having the headaches every day since that day, in case anyone wonders how I know I it's a csf leak!.

Thanks for any info or ideas about this!.Www@Answer-Health@Com


Answers:
Headaches due to low grade csf leaks are very common after a lumbar puncture!. this is why you're told to lie on your back for a time afterwards, to allow the puncture to close, If you had a headache shortly following or right after your lumbar puncture it is most likely due to this!. Such situations are rarely dangerous and usually self limiting!. However in some cases the puncture has taken up to a year to heal!. A blood patch is usually the common solution!. So its up to you if you feel like its worth it to try to manage the pain or not!.

Since the puncture was in your lower back it only makes sense that straining the back could reopen the the hole!.Www@Answer-Health@Com

I highly doubt anything is "leaking", but you may be having discomfort due to the lack of CSF in your spine!.

You can get the blood patch for a permanent fix or believe it or not, for a temp fix drink something with a lot of caffeine in it!. Directly after a lumbar puncture that is exactly what we were told to give the patient by the Doctor!. I worked in a Infectious disease clinic so lumbar punctures were very common there!.Www@Answer-Health@Com





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